The reigning TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon champion, Kenya’s Elvis Kipchoge Cheboi, will return to town on Oct. 20, aiming to affix the elite firm of two males who’ve efficiently defended their marathon title the next yr.
Final yr, Cheboi surprised the elite males’s subject, defeating a number of worldwide athletes with private bests two to 3 minutes sooner than his. His private greatest of two:09:20 was set in Toronto final yr. Nevertheless, his efficiency on the 2022 Barcelona Half Marathon, the place he clocked a private better of 59:15, suggests he might problem the Toronto course file of two:05:00 if situations are beneficial.
The one two males to efficiently defend their marathon titles in Toronto are four-time champion Kenneth Mungara and course file holder Philemon Rono.
Reflecting on final yr’s win in Toronto, Cheboi stated the victory was “a major second” for his profession: “That race gave me nice reminiscences as a result of I had by no means gained a marathon or any race overseas.”
Cheboi’s preparation for this yr’s marathon has been meticulous. Initially planning to compete within the 2024 Vienna Marathon earlier this yr, he determined to focus solely on defending his title in Toronto after a hamstring problem disrupted his coaching. Now, totally recovered, he’s centered on rising to the highest of the rostrum as soon as once more. “I believe I’ll attempt to win for the second time, however I can’t promise. The nice climate on the day will decide if I can run my greatest time,” stated Cheboi.
The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada’s premier operating occasion, attracting many worldwide marathon stars as a World Athletics Elite Label Race. This yr’s race will happen on Sunday, Oct. 20, with Cheboi aiming to defend his title and probably break his private greatest on the flat, quick course.
